IMPROVISATION WORKSHOPS
Frequently Asked Questions

• What are improvisation workshops about?

During the 10 sessions, you'll get to learn to improvise through a fun, step-by-step
approach. We'll be basing what we play on jazz and blues [with other exciting stuff
too]. You'll get to play or sing in small groups, a band or gospel-type choir. You'll be
able to show off your new skills during an informal gig and recording at the end of the
course. The workshops will improve your all-round musical skills and are a real bonus if
you're eventually going to take GCSE or A'level music.

• Who are they for?

10 - 14 year old instrumentalists or singers. Instrumentalists should be grade 4 standard or have their teacher's recommendation.

• When do the workshops start?

Thursday 28th January 2010 at 7.00-8.30pm. Location is Prestfelde School,
London Rd, Shrewsbury, SY2 6NZ.

• How much do they cost?

The first session is free. If you’d like to join for the full course please register at the end of the first evening. Payment is £100 for 10 workshops, with £10 refund at the end of the course if all sessions have been attended.

• Who do I contact?

To register please download the form:

in Word format here

or in PDF format here

and e-mail to shrewsburyworkshop@gmail.com by FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY 2010. If you have any questions please contact Stuart Spiers on 01743 363016.

• I’m 15…can I come?

No sorry! This course is for 10 – 14 yr olds.  But get in touch with Stuart because there may be a course for you in the future.

• If I’m ill will I get a refund?

We’re afraid that we cannot issue refunds.

• If I can’t afford it, can I stage my payments?

Please don’t be put off if you want to do the course but it’s too much money in one go! If so, please call Stuart Spiers. By arrangement we may be able to devise a payment plan that will suit you.

• Can I do it if I don’t have an instrument?

We don’t provide instruments, but if you are a singer, you may join the singers’ part of the course!

• Do I need to practise in between?

Yes! Your tutors will give you music to practise at home.

• Can I do it if I can’t read music?

For instrumentalists: It’s better if you can read music, but if you can’t, give Stuart a call to see if the course is right for you.

For singers: If you can read it will be helpful. However a lot of the singing will be taught aurally so if you can’t read but can sing in tune and love singing, you will be welcome.

• I play the ‘cello…can I come?

 Yes! We accept any instrument.

• I love singing…. but have never had lessons..

 We’re aware that some people are good singers but don’t necessarily have lessons, so as long as you can pitch well with your voice and are keen to learn new ways of singing and improvising, this is for you! If you do have lessons or are in a choir, bring your experience with you!

…I’ve never sung  jazz…is this for me?

The course will cover exciting ways of using your voice that will increase your confidence in singing, your musical ear and your ability to sing on your own and in a group.

We’ll cover lots of styles of music, sticking mainly with the jazz/world music tradition. This means improvising with your voice, singing in a gospel/jazz group or choir and covering music from artists like Billie Holiday, Jamie Cullum and Michael Buble …and if you’re lucky some jazzy Christina Aguilera.

So, if you’ve never sung jazz before it really doesn’t matter!